NC Black Disabilities Network Training to Promote Establishment of IPSE Programs at NC HBCUs
Why is NCCDD funding this initiative?
Universities and colleges have long recognized the importance of a diverse student body. However, many higher education institutions are missing critical opportunities to expand diversity among students by including students with intellectual disabilities. Creating a more inclusive environment and teaching using universal design can have a multiplier effect that will, in turn, attract more students. Inclusive post-secondary educational (IPSE) opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) (or students with ID and co-occurring developmental disabilities) have been expanding for decades. However, IPSE remains a reality that few families consider. Attending college can contribute to growth among individuals with intellectual disabilities in many of the same ways traditional students benefit from postsecondary education: academic and personal skill building, independence, self-advocacy, friendships, and, perhaps most importantly, employment skills.
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities, in partnership with the North Carolina Black Disabilities Network, seeks to grow awareness and education about the need to increase the number of inclusive postsecondary education programs in NC. Currently, NC has three comprehensive transition and post-secondary (CTP) programs, but none exist at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). This yearlong initiative aims to interrupt the cycle of poor access and opportunity to attend college by offering training and support to interested HBCU stakeholders who want to learn about IPSE programs and offer guidance in how to establish an IPSE on their campus.
What are the major goals and objectives?
- Conduct Outreach with National and Local Postsecondary Education Alliance Members, North Carolina IPSE Transition Programs, NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Think College, and North Carolina’s 11 HBCUs.
- Develop Education and Training Materials and Plan for NC HBCUs inclusive of reasonable and available feedback and recommendations from NCCDD, National and Local Postsecondary Education Alliance Members, North Carolina IPSE Transition Programs, NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Think College, and North Carolina’s 11 HBCUs.
- Implement Education and Training to North Carolina’s 11 HBCUs on IPSE programs and IPSE program implementation requirements, strategies, and related resources.
- Support NCCDD in updating its HBCU IPSE Request for Applications (RFA) and NCCDD and HBCUs in improving their knowledge and interest in HBCU IPSE programs through creating an IPSE White Paper that includes, but is not limited to, the following information:
- Summarizes education and awareness campaign for IPSE at HBCUs
- Provides policy recommendations for capacity building for IPSEs in NC
- Identifies Potential Funding Sources for IPSE
- Explores the financial feasibility for students to attend an IPSE
- Provides information on cost modeling for HBCU IPSE Program Implementation
What activities will the initiative do?
- Meet with National and Local Postsecondary Education Alliance Leaders and Diversity Officials.
- Meet with North Carolina IPSE Transition Programs.
- Establish connections with 11 HBCUs.
- Collaborate with IPSE Leaders on training and education curriculum.
- Make modifications to training and education materials and curriculum to include cultural competencies and tailor materials for HBCUs.
- Schedule a cluster luncheon for regional schools to meet and discuss strategies for starting a program.
- Meet with, educate, and learn from HBCU Stakeholders.
- Create and provide an orientation to Institution of Higher Education Programs.
What are achievements and outcomes to date?
- Invitations went out to 11 HBCUs to participate in training on their respective campus: 8 of the 11 colleges and universities showed interest, which included: Bennett College, Johnson C. Smith University, Shaw University, Elizabeth City State University, Winston Salem State University, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina A&T, and North Carolina Central University. Six universities have signed up for training. The learning experience includes information about what defines an IPSE program and the definition of ID and provides insight into model programs, accreditation standards, and resources. Training participants also learn about the funding criteria for financial support from the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities and other Federal Grantors.
- The initiative engaged with National and Local Postsecondary Education Alliance Leaders and Diversity Officials
- The initiative created training materials (PowerPoint, Self-advocate and Parent Interviews, handout materials) and also updated national IPSE training materials through more of an HBCU perspective.
- Initiative leadership visited Tennessee State University and Lipscomb University to explore their IPSE program operations and their IPSE service coordination.
- The initiative leadership followed up with interested univiersities by August 2024 to address addtional quesitons of interestes and to reimforce momentum to pursue the new programs.
Additional Resources
Download a PDF version of this initiative: NC Black Disability Network Training to Promote Establishment of IPSE Programs at NC HBCUs